The central elements of artist Fabio Petani’s mural are the Oulujoki river and nature themes from the local landscape. Myllyoja was chosen as the mural’s location through a vote open to all citizens of Oulu. Oulu2026 murals are executed annually as part of the journey towards Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year 2026.

Visual artist Fabio Petani’s artwork Ferrous sulfate, Achillea millefolium & Lathyrus palustris has been completed in Myllyoja, Oulu. The piece was executed as part of the Oulu2026 cultural program. The Italian artist was chosen via a portfolio application from 39 European countries. The nature-themed mural is located on the end wall of a six-story building at the address Karvarinaukio 12.
Fabio Petani, who works mainly with nature-related themes, arrived in Oulu in August to study the motif of the mural. He participated in a day trip to Hailuoto arranged by the residents’ association of Myllyoja, after which he focused on studying and photographing nature in the Myllyoja area. From these nature-themed images, Petani created a balanced composition reflecting the beauty of the local environment. The fresh color palette was inspired by the energy and vibrancy of the growing city.
“The central element of the painting is the Oulujoki river, which cuts through the landscape. This historically significant river connects the city’s past, present, and future. For the flowers in the piece, I chose white Achillea millefolium and purple Lathyrus palustris, which are common plants in the area,” Petani explains about the themes of the artwork.
Petani’s signature style combines harmony and disruption. The circular form, characteristic of his paintings, also appears in the Myllyoja mural.
“Circles play a key role in most of my works. The simple shape of the circle, often associated with harmony and balance, helps to combine the mural’s natural elements.”
Petani hopes that the mural will be seen not only as a decoration to beautify the area, but as a tribute to the city ahead of its year as the European Capital of Culture.
“The work celebrates Oulu and invites to reflect the relationship between humans and nature. It enriches the city’s cultural landscape as Oulu prepares for the significant milestone in 2026.”
Residents have the power to choose the locations of the murals
The locations of the Oulu2026 murals are chosen by citizens of Oulu in a yearly vote. The previous murals are in Rajakylä and Tuira. In 2023, Canadian artist Ilana Pichon executed Ovensuussa (Au pas de la porte) in Tuira and in 2022, British artist Eloise Gillow executed Käännekohta (Turning Point) in Rajakylä.
The vote for next year’s mural location opens in early 2025. In 2026, when Oulu becomes the European Capital of Culture, a mural will be painted in the city center. After completion the artworks will become part of the collection of Oulu Art Museum.
The art coordination and production of the project is managed by Upeart.
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026. Oulu and the whole Northern Finland will be filled with culture, art, and events. Northern Finland will be put on the map like never before, as both Finnish and international culture operators create new visions in cities, in the countryside, and in nature. This is a journey of several years, which will culminate in 2026.
More information:
Upeart
+358 50 468 6521
press(at)upeart.com